OBSERVING THE DEOXY MYOGLOBIN AND HEMOGLOBIN SIGNALS FROM RAT MYOCARDIUM IN-SITU

H-1 NMR proximal histidyl NdeltaH signals of deoxy hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) are distinguishable in the rat myocardium in situ. In the normoxic resting state, the blood and tissue pO(2) is sufficient t o saturate both Mb and Hb, No deoxy Mb or Hb signals are detected. Und er 12% inspired O-2, the erythrocyte Hb is partially desaturated and y ields the alpha and beta proximal histidyl NdeltaH signals of deoxy Hb . The detection of the Hb signals clarifies the debate about the NMR v isibility of erythrocyte Hb in vivo and augments the strategy to obser ve tissue pO(2). (C) 1998 Federation of European Biochemical Societies .